New York City (NYC)
The Blizzard of 2006

Photo Credit: NYC.gov/OEM

On the morning of February 11, 2006, a snow storm arrived in NYC that shattered all previous records of snowfall, since record keeping began
in 1869. Like all blizzards prior to it, the 2006 storm created extensive chaos, delayed transportation systems and covered streets with almost 27
inches of snow, a half an inch increase from the previous record, which took place in 1947. Although, in retrospect most people would mistake this
storm for a blizzard, it never actually met the standards necessary to qualify it as one. A blizzard is defined as being accompanied by severe winds
and below zero temperatures. The official meteorologist report classified the 2006 storm as a nor'easter with wind speeds between 20-30mph.

NYC having experience with snow storms of this scale before, employed five thousand people from the department of sanitation to spread about
200,000 tons of salt in the streets. With snow fall reaching 3 inches per hour, plows worked around the clock to combat the accumulation on major
highways, yet many streets still remained untouched. The amount of snow fall at LaGuardia and Kennedy Airports were considered hazardous and flights
were cancelled until further notice. The LIRR and Metro-North railroad services were canceled for some time and even the major subway lines were
delayed.

Fortunately, the storm came over the weekend when most city residents were not required to travel to work or school. Con Edison did not report
any power outages throughout the duration of the storm; this was attributed to the dry texture and lightness of the snow caused by the 20 degree
temperatures that accompanied it. Some city dwellers took the storm in stride, heading out to enjoy the winter wonderland with family and friends.